Sikh Heritage month launched in Surrey: a celebration of Daya and community
Published 12:45 pm Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Surrey City Hall came alive with vibrant celebrations on Saturday as Sikh Heritage BC officially launched the ninth annual Sikh Heritage Month, emphasizing the theme of “Daya,” or compassion, which resonates deeply within the Sikh community.
This is a time to celebrate the Sikh community, said Jasleen Kaur Sidhu, education director for Sikh Heritage Society BC.
Daya “loosely translates” to compassion, Sidhu said.
“It is one of those things that is so prevalent in our community, but it’s a core value of Sikhs, and I think it’s also just a Canadian value, too,” Sidhu said.
Mohnaam Kaur Shergill, director of media and communications at Sikh Heritage BC, added that, “In a world that often feels divided, the principle of Daya reminds us of our responsibility to lead life with compassion. We hope these celebrations serve as a catalyst for British Columbians to connect with their Sikh neighbours, colleagues, and friends, strengthening the bonds that make our communities resilient and vibrant. By opening doors to dialogue and understanding, we foster a province where empathy isn’t just a sentiment, but a practice.”
Sidhu said the event was also an opportunity to recognize its Changemaker award recipients: Guntaas Kaur, Kamaljit K. Lehal and Gurjot Kooner. The reward recognizes individuals who have made “meaningful contributions to our community and continue to uplift Sikh voices and perspectives.”
Kaur is a lawyer, human rights advocate and community leader “whose work bridges law and international human rights.”
Lehal is an immigration lawyer and a strong advocate for immigrant women facing violence.
Kooner is a six-time Canadian national wrestling champion. He now coaches in B.C. and is involved in his family farming and business. He is also dedicated to “serving and inspiring Sikh youth across North America.”
In addition to the Changemaker awards, Sikh Heritage BC handed out five $1,500 scholarships to Sikh students in Grade 12 who are attending a post-secondary institution in the fall.
Sidhu said, “In keeping with our mandate, these scholarships are a key element of our education project. We hope these scholarships will encourage students to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful impact in their community.”
Politicians from all levels of government attended the opening ceremony Saturday, including Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke.
Throughout April, Sikh Heritage BC is hosting a dozen events in and around Surrey. All the events are open to the public.
April was officially recognized as Sikh Heritage Month by the Government of Canada in 2019.
“April is a cornerstone month for Sikhs because it marks Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi is one of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar and is also celebrated as a spring harvest festival across Punjab. It usually falls on April 13 or 14 each year. For Sikhs, Vaisakhi is much more than a harvest festival; it marks the birth of the Khalsa Panth. In 1699, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji transformed the Sikh community by establishing the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib. Guru Sahib initiated a new order and gave Sikhs a distinctive collective identity and way of life,” noted a Sikh Heritage BC press release.
For more information and a list of events, visit sikhheritagebc.ca/events.